Substance Abuse
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Treatment

Can addiction be treated?

Yes, but addiction is a chronic (goes on for a long time), relapsing disease. It may take a number of attempts before you can remain free of drugs or alcohol.

What treatments are available?

Treatment can include counseling, medication or both. Your doctor will help you find the treatment that is right for you.

How can I quit abusing drugs or alcohol?

The first step in breaking addiction is to understand that you can take control of what you do. You can't control all the things that happen in your life or most of what other people do, but you do have control over how you react. So use that control. The following are the next steps to breaking your addiction:

Commit to quitting. Once you decide to quit, make a plan to be sure that you really do it.

Get help from your doctor. Your doctor can give you support and help you find a treatment program that meets your needs. Your doctor can also treat withdrawal symptoms and other problems that you may have as you recover from your addiction.

Get support. Ask your family and friends for support. You can also contact one of the organizations listed under "Other Organizations. "These groups can give you the tools and support you need to break your addiction and move on with your life.